Stephanie Bissonnette, a Mean Girls dancer, choreographer, educator, and performer, has passed away at 32. Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.
She made her Broadway debut in the original Mean Girls production in 2018, portraying the character Don Schweitzer. Beyond that show, she appeared in Ensemble, a documentary that follows Broadway dancers and their craft. Her presence on stage was matched by a visible energy offstage, where she invested time in teaching and mentoring others in movement and performance.
Shortly after the news broke, Mean Girls’ official social media account paid tribute, saying the community was heartbroken and mourning the loss of Stephanie Bissonnette. Her longtime role as Don Schweitzer helped define the early Broadway run of Mean Girls, and those who worked with her remember her for laughter, friendship, and a fearless spirit that inspired colleagues to bring their best to the stage night after night.
Tributes describe her as a vital part of the Broadway company from the first curtain until the final bow, someone who filled theaters with warmth and unforgettable talent. Her colleagues spoke of the courage she showed in facing illness, and how she carried herself with a resilience that encouraged others to persevere through their own challenges. The messages of admiration highlight not only her artistic skill but the character that made her a beloved member of the community.
Details about her passing were not disclosed by family or representatives. Prior to her death, Bissonnette had spoken about a battle with medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer. She described receiving a diagnosis in 2019 after noticing unusual sensations during an aerobics routine, followed by surgery and a public update in which she shared that chemotherapy had been completed. Her openness about her health journey drew sympathy and support from fans and fellow performers alike, reinforcing a sense of shared resilience within the theater world.
In addition to her Broadway performances, Bissonnette dedicated years to teaching contemporary dance. She offered instruction and inspiration at venues in New York, with significant time spent at the Broadway Dance Center, where her influence helped shape the next generation of dancers. Her work as an educator reflected a commitment to craft, artistry, and the idea that performance is as much about how a dancer lifts others as how they lift their own artistry. Her legacy in education continues to influence students who were fortunate to learn from her expertise and passion.
Colleagues emphasize that Bissonnette’s impact extended beyond the stage. Her willingness to share knowledge, her collaborative spirit, and her fearless approach to experimentation left an imprint on many dancers who crossed her path. In the world of musical theater, where careers can be unpredictable, she showed that steady dedication to technique and a generous, mentoring attitude could coexist with high-energy performances that light up a room. The community remembers not only a performer of notable skill but a person who fostered growth and camaraderie among artists at all levels.
As the family, friends, and colleagues mourn transition, fans reflect on moments that demonstrated Bissonnette’s vibrant energy. Her contributions to Mean Girls and to contemporary dance leave a lasting banner for future generations to follow. The theater community often measures its culture by the openness, resilience, and generosity of its members, and Stephanie’s example stands as a testament to those values. In honoring her memory, many look back on the range of roles she embraced, the intensity of her performances, and the way she inspired others to pursue their own artistry with courage and kindness.
Her family and friends are left to carry forward her legacy in dance, education, and performance. The Broadway and dance communities will remember Stephanie Bissonnette not just for the performances that brought audiences to their feet, but for the mentorship, laughter, and unwavering determination she shared with every collaborator she encountered. The journey she began on the Broadway stage continues to influence aspiring dancers who seek to combine technical mastery with a generous and brave spirit. Her story remains a reminder of the power of art to connect people, uplift communities, and endure through difficult times, with the support of a devoted and wide-ranging network of supporters and fellow artists.